to the ocean on the east coast of Oahu. Highly rated hidden gems in Oahu's North Shore: Top hidden gem activities. Stunning, Welcoming. The morning sun slowly warms the sandy beaches of Waikiki as your guide takes you on a journey through the history of the island. You can swim in the pool below this beuautiful Oahu waterfall. of the trail you can see the turquoise water of the east coast and the panoramic views. There is a back-way up that is technically legal and all of the information is in the blog post I wrote in the link below. The sheer stature of the coastline is intriguing, almost daring visitors to follow it. Oahu Instagram Spots and Photography Destinations. This is a hidden beach that is worth it! 3. Your tour begins with a short ATV ride to the top of a mountain. Book your tour: Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! The road to heaven is said to be one of the scariest in Oahu, so if youre driving here, take care. The hike is right next to the Pali Highway and only takes about 30 minutes. Where: K Hana Distillers. Magic Island 4.5 (134 reviews) Parks Open all day Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience giving guests a close-up view of an array of sea creatures, exotic coral reefs, and numerous sunken vessels without getting wet. This can be a dangerous spot for those not familiar with the ocean and her mighty strength. The entire sweeping coastline is stuff vacation fantasies are made of. Aloha! The China Walls are a secret place to cliff jump . Itinerary includes --> Waikiki Pickup (7:00 am - 7:30 am) Book your tour: Two-hour shark dive on Oahu. 3212 Monsarrat Ave. and two other locations in Honolulu, (808) 392-8862, bananbowls.com. Oahus famous farm-to-glass distillery never gets the applause it deserves. The atmosphere at surf events is like no other sporting events. Hawaii Beaches. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Waimea Bay is my favorite beach on Oahu. Located on the windward side of Oahu, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden is simultaneously one of the top attractions in Oahu and also a great place to get (somewhat) away from the crowds in iconic spots like Waikiki Beach. Also known as King Kamehameha III summer home, this is a slice of Hawaiian history hidden on the Nuuanu Oahu hike. This lookout point is on the East Side of Oahu, and worth a quick few minutes! If searching for the best coffee in Oahu, then Kona Coffee needs to be on your Oahu Bucket List. Valley of the Temples 365 Historic Sites Cemeteries By jt552233 Find Dead mans catwalk (or where it used to be), Reach the summit of Wiliwilinui ridge trail, The highlight of the trip is the snorkeling in Hanauma Bay where its quite famous for swimming with lots of tropical fish and, Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran, Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial, & Punchbowl National Cemetery, Eco-Friendly Dolphin and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise, Diamond Head Crater Hike & Manoa Falls Combo, Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment, One hour Waikiki surf lesson for two people, Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling. Click Here to book your tour of the North Shore Zipline Tour in advance (Often sells out weeks in advance). Aside from the fabulous beach and suitable waves for surfing, people can enjoy themselves as there . The Big Island is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea. The Halona Blowhole is on the east side of Oahu and is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. The ship was confiscated in the1990s for carrying more than 90illegal immigrants toHawaii. Book your tour: Majestic Full Day Circle Island Tour(Best-selling tour). If you are lucky enough to explore even a few of them, your stay and the memories created in Oahu can only ever be enhanced. Prices shown for: 1 Rm, 2 Guests. This is why it is one of my favorite spots to go to. Waimnalo Bay State Recreation Park. Oahu, The Gathering Place, is Hawaiis most populated island, home to almost a million people. They also offer beauty and body products. Then enjoy spectacular panoramic ocean and mountain views of Oahus famous North Shore from long, high, and extra-quiet zip lines ranging from 500 to 2,400 feet. If you want an extra adventure, you can also camp there! Onboard a sailing Catamaran drinking tropical Hawaiian cocktails and relaxing while enjoying the legendary sunset and the magnificent Hawaiian coast. Find Inner Peace at the Byodo-In Temple. Hidden Gem Hotels on Oahu. These secret(ish) activities will ensure a wonderful trip to Kauai with kids or without. Be incredibly careful in this area as it has claimed the lives of strong swimmers in the past after they were swept off the rocks. 24 Restaurants That Serve the Best Breakfast in Oahu, According to Locals. Remember, the land and properties are peoples homes, and in many instances, their livelihood is generated from everyday communities, not from those of tourist dollars.. 50 Most Instagrammable Places in Oahu in 2021 (with Map & Photos) Here are the most Instagrammable places in Oahu- including several hidden gems I found myself! Oh also if you want to see how terrible I am at surfing watch the video below. The tour departs from the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki and takes you to a submarine dive spot. hard (but worth it): Mt. You wont regret it. Thankfully, you can see some of the most instagrammable places in Oahu even if you're not a hiker! Oahu has tons of amazing places to eat. Its been a wild ride. If you take a leisurely walk up you can expect to finish between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Kaena Point State Park is a great hiking spot in Oahu Kaena Point State Park Kaena Point State Park is one of the hidden gems in Oahu not many people know about. PUA'ENA POINT: Slabby reef out at the main peak. Interested in learning how to scuba dive while on Oahu: Waikiki Discovery Scuba Diving for Beginners, Already certified to scuba dive and want to book a scuba tour to a wreck or a reef: Scuba diving full-day tour on Oahu. Book your tour: Atlantis Submarine Adventure. Do you love Hawaii? There is nothing wrong with the traditional Oahu tourist spots, and you should check them out during your vacation as well. While you are up there check out one of the best beaches on the North Shore. Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM There is a great kayak rental at Kaneohe that sets up the kayaks on the beach for you so you can paddle out Chinamans Hat. Your guide will take you through the botanical gardens of this vast and tranquil setting. There are 11 Marine Life conservation districts in Hawaii - Three of which are in Oahu: Pupukea. Not only do you get the chance to swim with these friendly giants and tons of tropical fish, but youll also get a catamaran cruise from Waikiki. Soar through the North Shores jungles on a thrilling zipline tour. But this spot is only for the very experienced. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Snorkel at Hanauma Bay. If there is something you are curious about, theres a live tour guide so feel free to ask all you want! Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Its like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time! You have many to choose from as the winter season comes. 1Before Visiting these Oahu Hidden Gems 2Byodo-In Temple 3Ka'ena Point State Park 4Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden 5Mermaid Caves/Cove Oahu 6Electric Beach 7China Walls 8Kawela Bay 9Goat Island (Mokuauia Island) 10Kahuku Farms 11Lanikai Pillbox Hike 12Halona Blowhole + Beach Cove 13Moku o Lo'e/Coconut Island 14Waimea Falls 15Sharks Cove Its sort of tucked away in the hills above Honolulu at the first macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. The best part about these Oahu hidden spots is that they are all free! Check Out The 5 Best Lanai Lookout Tours Here. There is a bike path that runs from Sunset Beach to Waimea Bay that is a great way to spend the day exploring the hidden spots that . I lived on Oahu for two years and loved adventuring from the beaches to the mountains to the waterfalls! Stuart Schuffman. Located in the Kekaulike Market, 1039 Kekaulike St #113, Honolulu for the most delicious poke bowls. It is best accessible when it is low tide. You'll see the golden yellow sands of Makapu'u Beach down below, a whole bunch of reefs in the turquoise waters, and even a lighthouse! It is not easy to find, but you should find your way relatively easy if you head over to Nanakuli Beach Park. The entrance fee is just $5 but if you prefer to join a guided tour to show you the way and share stories and history with you, I can recommend this top-rated tour, which combines Diamond Head hike and the easy Manoa Falls hike in one day! Waikiki beach, Oahu. I include a map and photos as well! Enjoy the buffet meal, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Don't let this discourage you however, as this hike offers some spectacular views of Oahu. Many love to explore the incredibly clear water in the caves and watch as the sun rays hit the water. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. This list of 10 somewhat secret spots in Oahu Hawaii will get you off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots! Great instructors make this possible for even the least athletically inclined. Halona Beach Cove 4.7 (84 reviews) Beaches Open all day "Don't go here. A forest setting you would expect in the Pacific Northwest of the Mainland is a great spot to have an afternoon hike. A place popular with surfers and jumpers, these cliffs will partner with a beautiful sunset to greet everyone at the end of the day. Whether its exploring the island or spending time with your family, these places are sure to make your vacation unforgettable. See Tropical Foliage at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden. It is easy to climb onto the rock and from there you can join the crowd of nervous jumpers who wait their turn to leap off the rock. 100 feet below the surface lies The Sea Tiger, which is a former Chinese trading vessel originally named Yun Fong Seong No. In the mountains on the west side of Oahu is the Pink Pillbox Hike. Enjoy Sunrise Views on the Stairway to Heaven Hike. The white sand, clear blue water, and never ending small waves make this a perfect spot for beginners to become a grommet (supposedly this means beginning surfer). Book your tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Hawaiian Entertainment. Where: Sharks Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Veer off the main streets and head for Monsarrat or Kapahulu Avenues. If you're ready for a true locals only challenge, try a visit to the secret Mermaid Cave. Loved the places we visited the ease of being able to stay as long or as little as we wanted at. Book your tour: Circle Island Tour of Oahu. Book your kayaking tour: Kaneohe Guided Kayak and Snorkel Tour. Around the back of the islands, youll find quite a few good cliff jumping spots and also the Queens bath, which is one of my favorite spots on Oahu. Most mornings, you can spot dolphins out in the ocean here! Wondering if there's a place for camping as well? Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Kaaawa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. The coral here is amazing and it is a protected bay so it is perfect for a half-day snorkel adventure. I have linked the top-rated tour below. Learn about the best time to visit Oahu . Entrance to the lookout is free, although you do have to pay for parking. MERCH!! The cove is primarily a lava-rock beach which is a remarkable sight, and you can appreciate the history of the island's formation through these natural features. Although tourists will come and go en masse in the carpark above the cove it is actually a great spot to chill out. This cliff offers a panoramic view of the island's northeast coast and is a short five miles from Honolulu. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. Hidden Gems of Oahu with Waimea Botanical Garden. Its called the Circle-Island tour and most tourists to Oahu love this one. If you want to skip the crowded beaches of Lanikai and Kailua, head to Bellow's Beach in Waimanalo Bay. As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip. That's a lot to explore. The best snorkeling tour on Oahu is the Turtle Canyon Snorkel Cruise by Catamaran. Map of all the Best Oahu Instagram Spots. The tour picks you up at 7:15 in the morning at selected Waikiki hotels and the itinerary includes Diamond Head Lookout, Tropical Hawaiian Coffee, and Macadamia Nut Farms, ChinaMans Hat, North Shore Shrimp Trucks, North Shore Fruit Stand, the legendary Sunset Beach, Turtle Snorkeling, and Dole Pineapple Plantation. During the snorkeling session, jump in for a snorkel adventure of a lifetime! 1) Mermaid Cave. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. The Pali Notches are one of the most dangerous hikes on Oahu due to the strong winds that often frequent the trail, which has an unforgiving drop on both sides. by: Victoria Derrick. You will have to go through tunnels and walk quite a distance, so be prepared. Leonard's Bakery. Located on the northwest coast of Oahu and surrounded only by remote forest reserves, Makua Beach is hardly ever crowded and is usually rather empty. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. I did this tour with my family and they loved it. It is important to know that this hike is illegal and off-limits. Of course, some of the best-kept secrets of Oahu are the beaches! Arena for high-performance surfing. The rougher the day the bigger the spray from the blowhole usually. Mermaid Cove is one of the best hidden gems of Oahu, in my opinion. You can walk toward Diamond Head side to get away from crowds, but there are many incredible areas for you on this island! It has rock climbing, turtles, underwater tunnels and huge waves in the winter. This incredible island has great beaches, hikes, waterfalls, snorkeling spots, and restaurants to try. The perfect place for a much-needed vacation. Some are for sunrise, sunset or landscape focused with locals who know the spots and can teach you how to shoot amazing photos. Keep your eyes peeled for the playful Spinner Dolphins who live in these waters. See the map below for all locations: 1. Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous attractions, like the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, Tantalus, the Ka'a'awa Valley, and the Byodo-In Temple. A reef prevents large waves from reaching the sandy shore and it's a terrific place to feel at one with nature and enjoy a quieter stretch of sand away from the tourist crowds. A spicy sauce or seasoning covers the fish. Hoomaluhia means to make a place of peace, and the botanical gardens are nothing but peaceful! It is truly a magical experience. Travel Agent, 19 Caribbean All-Inclusive Resorts with the Finest Dining Not only is this a secret beach not many know about, but this is also an amazing hiking opportunity as well! I think a scenic helicopter flight is my favorite activity to do on Oahu by far! Most people think of O'ahu strictly as a beach vacation interspersed with hiking and awash with cocktails. Oahu. The food here is really good. Mahalo! Find this local favorite on the East Shore of Oahu! If you are lucky you will even spot a turtle but you can be guaranteed to find hundreds of amazing fish and marine species. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. There are tons of things to do in Waikiki but surfing has to be at the top of your list. Three Peaks or Olomana Trail is a treacherous looking hike with three steep peaks that can be seen all the way from Lanikai. Its truly an experience theyll remember forever so dont wait any longer. Find some in the following locations: Each one is unique and brings its own peace when you visit. Or do you just want to experience a fun and relaxing evening with absolutely no itinerary? There is a long water pipe out in the ocean, which is the best spot to go snorkeling. Live like a local and discover Honolulu with our pick of the hidden gems and secret spots in and around the city. For 20 minutes under the water, youll be surrounded by around a dozen sharks or even more. I had done some Oahu cliff jumping in the past but this spot was always a little bit sketchy for me at the time. Alan Davis Beach. Where: Hanapepe Pl, Honolulu, HI 96825, United States. There are plenty of awesome spots on Oahu to get a good look at the stars each night. Guest Author, Discover the Animals of Panama on World Wildlife Day Enjoy a slice of paradise, complete with cocktails. Kahala Hotel Last but not least on my list of 5 secret Oahu locations is the Kahala Hotel. Moreover, be prepared for lots of wind! For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 1. This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Not only is it right next to the Turtle Bay Resort, almost no one goes there! The beauty of this luau tour package is that you get to experience traditional performances and story-telling before enjoying a buffet luau. Once you arrive at the island a mini hike to the top will give you amazing views of the shore and the Kualoa Mountains. A few of our favorites include breakfast tacos at Konos, loco moco from Cinnamons, the deli at Foodland for fresh poke, the musubi from 7-Eleven, and shave ice from Uncle Clays House of Pure Aloha. Each Friday the Hilton puts on a FREE blockbuster fireworks display. Tropical Yet Metropolitan. The unforgiving incline will have you gasping for breath by the time you reach the top. Feel the adrenaline rush while soaring from the top of Oahus longest ziplines on this guided tour. Visiting a waterfall is a must-do activity on Oahu and Lulumahu is one of the most unique things to do outside of Waikiki. This is the busiest tourist spot in Hawaii. Oahu has some of the finest food on the islands, but when the noise and nightlife gets a bit much, the time has come to look for a more local-driven, quieter experience. A beach park uncrowded and unusual is how this part of Oahu is described. tively short hike but dont be fooled. It was purchased by Voyager Submarines, cleaned up, and sunk in 1999. Gunstock Ranch. Theresa Norton, Every State's Best Events This March The views of the Koolaus are worth it all. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Something that people love about this tour is the staff! It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. Visit sites like Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout, Mokoli'i Island, and Laie Point. There are A LOT of surf spots in WaikikiCanoes, Ala Moana, Queens and Kaisers just to name a few. It isnt incredibly deep but usually, it is just deep enough. While You're at it, Avoid Shopping on Kalakaua 7. Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu with hundreds of tourists visiting each day. The water is super clear and beautiful turquoise color, plus the sand is extremely soft. It is family and dog friendly and a great way to see some fantastic views of the east side. Places located off the beaten track can be the very thing that keeps a multitude of tourists milling about. Many love to jump off China Walls as well. While not technically a beach, this location is in fact a stretch of lava rock cliffs and edges extending high above sea level. Sherwood Beach. This beach and park area are on the eastern side of the island in a smaller town. Click here to learn more. Secret O'ahu: sights only the locals know about. Only a few yards high they make the area a perfect spot to hang out for the day. See an Active Volcano by Sea. Its one of the most unique things to do on Oahu and definitely off the beaten path. 25 Best Snorkeling Spots in Oahu, Hawaii (with Map) December 6, 2022 Hawaiian green sea turtles, tropical fish, moray eels, and rainbow corals are just a hint of the impeccable underwater world thriving in the North Pacific Ocean surrounding Oahu island. 20. If you are looking for some secret things to do in Oahu, check out Kahuku Farms. Were here to help! This was one of my favorite little hidden beach spots in Oahu. Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? Along the way, encounter rappels, sky bridges, scenic boardwalks, and a couple of surprises for some fun activities that challenge in a safe and controlled way. (MUST VISIT) 23,013 views Aug 14, 2022 10 Not So Secret Hidden Gems in Oahu Hawaii in 2022 - Secret Places Hidden in Plain Sight. You can read a full review HERE. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley and . 5. As the sun rises 20 or more people sit atop the bunker with views all the way to the beach and down into the valleys on either side. New Orleans & Company, How Smart Payments Can Help Alleviate Future Travel Chaos Probably the best views in Oahu, along with Diamond Head. You can simply just relax and not worry about huge waves. From Wiliwilinui Ridge you can make out Waikiki, a city of white buildings seemingly a world away from the ridges we are roaming. Things to Do on Oahu for Adventure Seekers. Aside from the tiny village of Pu'uwai - home to the island's 200 isolated inhabitants - this privately owned island is otherwise untouched by society. 92-1770 Kunia Rd #227, Kunia Camp, Oahu. Book your tour: North Shore Shark Cage Dive Tour. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Have you visited any of these hidden gems on your trip to Oahu? Strong swimmers only, please. 3. Theres actually this great tour that does kayaking, stand-up paddleboard, and a short waterfall hike all. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Watch the sunrise from Lanikai Pillbox hike. This waterfall is a beautiful gem on Oahu to visit and explore the culture of Hawaii a bit more! At the summit, there is an old satellite atop a small bunker. take about thirty minutes. This is truly one of the most epic viewpoints anywhere in the world and a must-do activity on Oahu. This is an iconic photo spot on Oahu. Waikiki is one of the most popular Oahu places to visit and its also really pretty. It is a great place to visit if you can! Hotel & Resort, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. You can actually walk right to it! We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). Jumping off the rock is one of the most iconic things to do on Oahu. Ka'ena Point State Park After a drab drive, inspiration awaits at little-visited, yet . This is a hike none of the other tourists in the hotel will even know exists. This tour company takes people out and lets them swim with sharks without a cage! This is run by a nonprofit to keep the area safe, beautiful and to preserve the culture. Hi! But there's far more to Hawaii's capital city than surfing. The pillboxes at the top of the hikes are full of colorful graffiti and offer a nice view of the ocean. Hawaii Hikes. A traditional Hawaiian luau is a must-do cultural activity on Oahu. Book your tour: Oahu Full-Circle Island 60 minute Helicopter Tour, Book your tour: 25-minute Waikiki Helicopter Tour. It is important wherever you are granted an invitation to local secrets that mindfulness and respect are extended. The Hawaiian monk seal is the only seal native to Hawaii and is one of only two mammals nativeto the islands. The Plantation offers tours and has a huge hedge maze. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. It can be extremely dangerous, especially with strong surf. 1/11 While all the beaches in Hawaii are gorgeous, some just take your breath away. The Big Island has the stunning Waipio Valley and the rugged volcanic landscape. They contain more antioxidants than most berries including cranberries and even blueberries. If you follow the path all the way to towards the ocean and venture down the cliffs you will find a small rock bridge.

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